In the India operations of the World Bank, there is little evidence as yet to substantiate that community based procurement results in value for money in a fair and transparent manner.
... See More + In order to understand community based procurement in relation to value for money (VfM), governance and accountability, a study was needed to explore these concepts and their dynamics. The present study focuses on Community Based Procurement (CBP) outcomes across completed sub-projects with a focus on the following key questions: 1) value for money - is community based procurement more economical for implementation? 2) Sustainability - is there evidence of better operation and maintenance of items and services created through CBP? 3) Participation - what is the extent of community participation in CBP? 4) Enabling factors - what are the facilitating processes and environmental factors that positively influence the outcomes in CBP? The study on CBP was carried out in 84 successful subprojects from three community driven development (CDD) projects in India (in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu) and local government units (Gram Panchayats1) in the state of Kerala, to explore linkages both in terms of enablers and outcomes. This field study was undertaken in 2009.
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Ratings for the Andhra Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives Project for India were as follows: outcomes were satisfactory; the risk to development outcome was low or negligible; the Bank performance was satisfactory; and the Borrower performance was satisfactory.
... See More + Some lessons learned included: Factors such as strong political commitment and continuity of project leadership are essential for the success of a project. Promotion of trust and group solidarity based on a common purpose is an important element for building inclusive community institutions. A poverty reduction project should focus more on building the capacity of rural communities rather than the capacity of the government. Capacity building should be given very high priority. Implementation of sub projects should start only after sufficient capacity building is achieved. Any attempt to fast track without proper foundation can result in manipulation and diluting project objectives. The project confirms the lesson learned from other livelihood programs across the region that promotion of trust and group solidarity based on a common purpose is an important initial element of building inclusive community institutions. The project experience shows that social mobilization and capacity building is process oriented, and therefore, takes time to start-up but produce good results when matured. It implies that project planning should emphasize social mobilization as early in the project cycle as possible.
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The Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzes the criteria for environmental screening, and, reviews the location, and classification of sub-projects, under the Andhra Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives Project, which aims at economic, and environmentally sustainable development, in six districts of Andhra Pradesh Province, with an emphasis on poverty alleviation.
... See More + However, adverse effects on human health, and natural resources are envisaged, and, sub-projects may have, negative environmental impacts. Mitigation measures require that: 1) air pollution levels be tested, on account of increased vehicular traffic due to the construction of roads and bridges; 2) bacterial contamination on surface, and ground water be monitored, due to the construction of community halls, schools, and education centers, as well as health facilities. Furthermore, possible changes in regional water levels may occur, with negative impacts on sanitation and bio-diversity, thus test monitoring should be required; 3) because of possible flooding, and soil erosion as a result of construction works, soil fertility, fisheries production, and water levels require environmental testing. Likewise, crops improvement, will suffer reduced water levels in streams, and water contamination, due to the use of pesticides and chemicals, hence regular sampling, and analysis of water quality, and levels should be conducted. A summary of social development issues is presented in the second volume, the South Asia social data sheet.
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The Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzes the criteria for environmental screening, and, reviews the location, and classification of sub-projects, under the Andhra Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives Project, which aims at economic, and environmentally sustainable development, in six districts of Andhra Pradesh Province, with an emphasis on poverty alleviation.
... See More + However, adverse effects on human health, and natural resources are envisaged, and, sub-projects may have, negative environmental impacts. Mitigation measures require that: 1) air pollution levels be tested, on account of increased vehicular traffic due to the construction of roads and bridges; 2) bacterial contamination on surface, and ground water be monitored, due to the construction of community halls, schools, and education centers, as well as health facilities. Furthermore, possible changes in regional water levels may occur, with negative impacts on sanitation and bio-diversity, thus test monitoring should be required; 3) because of possible flooding, and soil erosion as a result of construction works, soil fertility, fisheries production, and water levels require environmental testing. Likewise, crops improvement, will suffer reduced water levels in streams, and water contamination, due to the use of pesticides and chemicals, hence regular sampling, and analysis of water quality, and levels should be conducted. A summary of social development issues is presented in the second volume, the South Asia social data sheet.
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The Andhra Pradesh District Poverty Initiatives Project for India aims to improve opportunities for the rural poor to meet priority social and economic needs in the six poorest districts of Andhra Pradesh.
... See More + There are three main components. The first funds capacity building for new or existing self-managed community-based organizations. Specifically, it helps form and develop common interest groups and self-help groups, and their support organizations; provides information, education, and communications support including awareness building campaigns and demonstrations in village communities on issues affecting social and/or economic activities of interest to the rural poor; aids capacity building of local governing councils to improve micro-planning, financial management, and sensitization to the needs of the poor; promotes skill enhancement for participating staff and nongovernmental organizations; and introduces a pilot program linking local groups to banking institutions. The second component funds demand-driven sub-projects which will improve access to public social services; generate income through investments; and build facilities like community halls, school facilities, connector roads, and water supply and waste disposal systems. The third component finances a package of inter-related activities involving both non-formal and formal education which addresses the twin problems of child labor, especially girl child laborers, and high school drop-out rates.
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